We worship as usual this weekend: Our convenient community Holy Eucharist service today (Saturday) at 5 p.m. and at 8 and 10 Sunday morning. We’ll ponder the frightening and forgiving, wrongdoing-hating and love-bearing light of the world that was promised by the Advent prophets and became gloriously and undyingly manifest at the first Christmas.

The Third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete (“Rejoice”) Sunday. We’ll learn more about the Gaudete tradition during Mother Martha’s class about the signs, symbols, and music of Advent at 9 a.m. in the Bishop’s Room. Please join us.

Also this weekend: Pick up your St John’s Christmas bumper stickers and display them proudly as Advent signs of welcome…help us deck the halls by sponsoring Christmas poinsettias and greens in honor of your loved ones; you’ll find the Christmas flower envelopes near the flower calendar in the narthex. We need your instructions by Wednesday, Dec. 17…sign up in the narthex to help decorate the church after the second service next Sunday, Dec. 21. All church-greening elves will get free pizza and beverages…plan to attend the Festival Singers’ “Festival of Carols” concert this Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m. at the Lake Forest Sun and Sail Club, 24752 Toledo Lane, Lake Forest. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the door…and consider making this the weekend to add your 2015 “All In” pledge to the 92 that St. John’s members and families have submitted so far.

Yours in Christ’s love,

Fr. John

P.S.: Also please mark your calendars for two ministry opportunities next week. On Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Bishop’s Room, our Caregiving Mosaics support group will gather in fellowship and to share practical advice about how caregivers take care of themselves, especially during the stressful holidays. If you’re a caregiver, please join us; and tell a friend about this growing, community-wide ministry. If you have questions, contact DJ Gomer at djgomer@cox.net or (949) 351-1399…Our monthly food distribution takes place this Thursday, Dec. 18 at The Bridge Church, 30162 Tomas Ave. in Rancho Santa Margarita. If you can help all day (noon to 5 p.m.) or just for an hour or two, please join us. Bring your food donations to church this weekend or to the church office by Wednesday morning. Contact Roger Bradshaw at parisbradshaws@me.com or (949) 505-4663 for more information.